Increase in demand for Lancashire foodbank help

THE number of adults and children being provided with emergency food in Lancashire has contributed to a 238 per cent rise across the North West.

An increase from 41,013 people between 2012-2013, 138,644 people in the North West received three days’ emergency food from Trussell Trust foodbanks during this financial year.

In Lancashire, 7,973 adults and 4,751 children received the emergency food from the organisation that has food banks in Blackburn and the Ribble Valley.

More than 900,000 people received the food nationwide during the last 12 months. However, the number of foodbanks being established in the region has dropped from 22 to 11 since last year.

Among the foodbanks that have been established this year are bases in Longridge and Clitheroe.

Last year, the Lancashire Telegraph launched a campaign calling on people to donate both food and money to foodbanks to ensure the region’s most deprived children don’t go hungry.

The campaign was launched after it was revealed that some children in Blackburn were malnourished.

The Trussell Trust’s chairman, Chris Mould, said: “In the last year we’ve seen things get worse rather than better for many people on low incomes.

“It’s been extremely tough for a lot of people, with parents not eating properly in order to feed their children and more people than ever experiencing seemingly unfair and harsh benefits sanctions.

“Unless there is determined policy action to ensure that the benefits of national economic recovery reach people on low incomes we won’t see life get better for the poorest anytime soon.

“A more thoughtful approach to the administration of the benefits regime and sanctions in particular, increasing the minimum wage, introducing the living wage and looking at other measures such as social tariffs for essentials like energy would help address the problem of UK hunger.”

Comments (16)

How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment?
Why does our government borrow money to give away in foreign aid, when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country?
Why is immigration at record levels when so many people in this country are unable to find a job? ( Especially when mr Cameron promised to get immigration down to tens of thousands as one of his election promises at the last general election)
Why are the wealthy and large corporations allowed to get away with tax evasion whilst organisations such as the NHS and the armed forces are forced to make cuts?
Is this unelected junta the most corrupt ever? More concerned with gay marriage than it is about British children going hungry, and for the Tory plantation owners please don't spout about parents spending their benefits on alcohol and cigarettes. Mostly they are decent people and many have a job that only pays a poverty wage because it is all they can find..

How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment?
Why does our government borrow money to give away in foreign aid, when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country?
Why is immigration at record levels when so many people in this country are unable to find a job? ( Especially when mr Cameron promised to get immigration down to tens of thousands as one of his election promises at the last general election)
Why are the wealthy and large corporations allowed to get away with tax evasion whilst organisations such as the NHS and the armed forces are forced to make cuts?
Is this unelected junta the most corrupt ever? More concerned with gay marriage than it is about British children going hungry, and for the Tory plantation owners please don't spout about parents spending their benefits on alcohol and cigarettes. Mostly they are decent people and many have a job that only pays a poverty wage because it is all they can find..shytalk

Whilst not wanting to say food banks are not necessary I do feel that they could become a crutch for people to take advantage of. Obviously if they exist they will be used. People will always take advantage of anything for free. I do hope that great scrutiny is given to applicants and their actual needs.
Having a disabled daughter I know how hard it can be to get help, but I also know how many people take advantage of the benefits system to obtain both monetary and practical assistance. Fraudulent benefit claims take away the help to the genuinely needy. You only need to watch the many tv programmes dedicated to bringing these fraudsters to the publics attention.

Whilst not wanting to say food banks are not necessary I do feel that they could become a crutch for people to take advantage of. Obviously if they exist they will be used. People will always take advantage of anything for free. I do hope that great scrutiny is given to applicants and their actual needs.
Having a disabled daughter I know how hard it can be to get help, but I also know how many people take advantage of the benefits system to obtain both monetary and practical assistance. Fraudulent benefit claims take away the help to the genuinely needy. You only need to watch the many tv programmes dedicated to bringing these fraudsters to the publics attention.A Darener

shytalk wrote:
How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment? Why does our government borrow money to give away in foreign aid, when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country? Why is immigration at record levels when so many people in this country are unable to find a job? ( Especially when mr Cameron promised to get immigration down to tens of thousands as one of his election promises at the last general election) Why are the wealthy and large corporations allowed to get away with tax evasion whilst organisations such as the NHS and the armed forces are forced to make cuts? Is this unelected junta the most corrupt ever? More concerned with gay marriage than it is about British children going hungry, and for the Tory plantation owners please don't spout about parents spending their benefits on alcohol and cigarettes. Mostly they are decent people and many have a job that only pays a poverty wage because it is all they can find..

How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment?

because no one id going to turn down the offer of a free bag of shopping.

when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country?

because its all comparative - the UK is one of the top 5 economies in the world. People in this country don't even know what real poverty is. Not being able to buy fags or pay SKY isn't poverty. Having to pay a bit extra to keep a "spare" room isn't poverty.

Why is immigration at record levels when so many people in this country are unable to find a job?

because they do the jobs that the indiginous population think is beneath them, serving people or cleaning up after people etc. They are prepared to put up with personal inconvenience that the indiginous wont - like working late or on a weekend.

Why are the wealthy and large corporations allowed to get away with tax evasion whilst organisations such as the NHS and the armed forces are forced to make cuts?

Its avoidance not evasion. What cuts have the NHS made? they are ring fenced!

any more excuses?

[quote][p][bold]shytalk[/bold] wrote:
How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment? Why does our government borrow money to give away in foreign aid, when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country? Why is immigration at record levels when so many people in this country are unable to find a job? ( Especially when mr Cameron promised to get immigration down to tens of thousands as one of his election promises at the last general election) Why are the wealthy and large corporations allowed to get away with tax evasion whilst organisations such as the NHS and the armed forces are forced to make cuts? Is this unelected junta the most corrupt ever? More concerned with gay marriage than it is about British children going hungry, and for the Tory plantation owners please don't spout about parents spending their benefits on alcohol and cigarettes. Mostly they are decent people and many have a job that only pays a poverty wage because it is all they can find..[/p][/quote]How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment?
because no one id going to turn down the offer of a free bag of shopping.
when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country?
because its all comparative - the UK is one of the top 5 economies in the world. People in this country don't even know what real poverty is. Not being able to buy fags or pay SKY isn't poverty. Having to pay a bit extra to keep a "spare" room isn't poverty.
Why is immigration at record levels when so many people in this country are unable to find a job?
because they do the jobs that the indiginous population think is beneath them, serving people or cleaning up after people etc. They are prepared to put up with personal inconvenience that the indiginous wont - like working late or on a weekend.
Why are the wealthy and large corporations allowed to get away with tax evasion whilst organisations such as the NHS and the armed forces are forced to make cuts?
Its avoidance not evasion. What cuts have the NHS made? they are ring fenced!
any more excuses?midas

shytalk wrote:
How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment? Why does our government borrow money to give away in foreign aid, when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country? Why is immigration at record levels when so many people in this country are unable to find a job? ( Especially when mr Cameron promised to get immigration down to tens of thousands as one of his election promises at the last general election) Why are the wealthy and large corporations allowed to get away with tax evasion whilst organisations such as the NHS and the armed forces are forced to make cuts? Is this unelected junta the most corrupt ever? More concerned with gay marriage than it is about British children going hungry, and for the Tory plantation owners please don't spout about parents spending their benefits on alcohol and cigarettes. Mostly they are decent people and many have a job that only pays a poverty wage because it is all they can find..

How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment?

because no one id going to turn down the offer of a free bag of shopping.

when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country?

because its all comparative - the UK is one of the top 5 economies in the world. People in this country don't even know what real poverty is. Not being able to buy fags or pay SKY isn't poverty. Having to pay a bit extra to keep a &quot;spare" room isn't poverty.

Why is immigration at record levels when so many people in this country are unable to find a job?

because they do the jobs that the indiginous population think is beneath them, serving people or cleaning up after people etc. They are prepared to put up with personal inconvenience that the indiginous wont - like working late or on a weekend.

Why are the wealthy and large corporations allowed to get away with tax evasion whilst organisations such as the NHS and the armed forces are forced to make cuts?

Its avoidance not evasion. What cuts have the NHS made? they are ring fenced!

any more excuses?

I hope that if you ever have to need the services of a food bank midas that you are made to eat your words before they give you anything to eat.
The NHS has had to make cuts. 500 jobs at Blackburn hospital for a start, then the closure of A&E at Burnley and Accrington.
Is the new word for pensioners going hungry comparative?
Now i do not favour a complete re distribution of wealth, but i do not see the wealthy of this country going hungry and resorting to food banks, err but are we not all supposed to be in it together?
Now this is no left wing propaganda so please have a look and don't let it frighten you.
http://www.telegraph
.co.uk/health/health
news/10766269/NHS-fa
ces-significant-cuts
-without-more-fundin
g.html

[quote][p][bold]midas[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]shytalk[/bold] wrote:
How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment? Why does our government borrow money to give away in foreign aid, when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country? Why is immigration at record levels when so many people in this country are unable to find a job? ( Especially when mr Cameron promised to get immigration down to tens of thousands as one of his election promises at the last general election) Why are the wealthy and large corporations allowed to get away with tax evasion whilst organisations such as the NHS and the armed forces are forced to make cuts? Is this unelected junta the most corrupt ever? More concerned with gay marriage than it is about British children going hungry, and for the Tory plantation owners please don't spout about parents spending their benefits on alcohol and cigarettes. Mostly they are decent people and many have a job that only pays a poverty wage because it is all they can find..[/p][/quote]How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment?
because no one id going to turn down the offer of a free bag of shopping.
when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country?
because its all comparative - the UK is one of the top 5 economies in the world. People in this country don't even know what real poverty is. Not being able to buy fags or pay SKY isn't poverty. Having to pay a bit extra to keep a "spare" room isn't poverty.
Why is immigration at record levels when so many people in this country are unable to find a job?
because they do the jobs that the indiginous population think is beneath them, serving people or cleaning up after people etc. They are prepared to put up with personal inconvenience that the indiginous wont - like working late or on a weekend.
Why are the wealthy and large corporations allowed to get away with tax evasion whilst organisations such as the NHS and the armed forces are forced to make cuts?
Its avoidance not evasion. What cuts have the NHS made? they are ring fenced!
any more excuses?[/p][/quote]I hope that if you ever have to need the services of a food bank midas that you are made to eat your words before they give you anything to eat.
The NHS has had to make cuts. 500 jobs at Blackburn hospital for a start, then the closure of A&E at Burnley and Accrington.
Is the new word for pensioners going hungry comparative?
Now i do not favour a complete re distribution of wealth, but i do not see the wealthy of this country going hungry and resorting to food banks, err but are we not all supposed to be in it together?
Now this is no left wing propaganda so please have a look and don't let it frighten you.
http://www.telegraph
.co.uk/health/health
news/10766269/NHS-fa
ces-significant-cuts
-without-more-fundin
g.htmlshytalk

2 for 5p ridesagain wrote:
And lot of the people who scrounge a handout from the food bank sell it.

No they don't...You are only allowed three handouts and must be refered to a food bank by a GP or the benefits office.
People who need to access a food bank are desperate hungry people. They only get three days supply of food.
The way this is going there will be serious civil unrest in this country. Laugh all you like but just remember what happened to the last lot that said if there is no bread then let them eat cake.

[quote][p][bold]2 for 5p ridesagain[/bold] wrote:
And lot of the people who scrounge a handout from the food bank sell it.[/p][/quote]No they don't...You are only allowed three handouts and must be refered to a food bank by a GP or the benefits office.
People who need to access a food bank are desperate hungry people. They only get three days supply of food.
The way this is going there will be serious civil unrest in this country. Laugh all you like but just remember what happened to the last lot that said if there is no bread then let them eat cake.shytalk

I noticed they still have the big boxes for food donations inside the supermarkets. Just a small gift would help. regardless of your politics or view of the austerity or people out of work for many reasons. People are going hungry and we can all help, a tin of stew or something, I am sure there is a list of items needed. just remember some of these people can not afford to cook the free food. how bad is that, we should all be up in arms about this embarrassment on our nation. we are better than that and we can look after our own.

I noticed they still have the big boxes for food donations inside the supermarkets. Just a small gift would help. regardless of your politics or view of the austerity or people out of work for many reasons. People are going hungry and we can all help, a tin of stew or something, I am sure there is a list of items needed. just remember some of these people can not afford to cook the free food. how bad is that, we should all be up in arms about this embarrassment on our nation. we are better than that and we can look after our own.mavrick

Shytalk refers to the number of job losses at Royal Blackburn Hospital. However, is he/she aware that many of these people are given very generous redundancy payments and taken on again within a period of time to do other jobs, or taken back on as temporary or agency staff, costing the hospital even more. I have no objection to food banks, but they are not connected to the amount of waste and ineffiiciency in the NHS. The armed forces cuts are a different matter which I do not approve of. I think many people going to food banks do so because they are unable to budget and cook a nourishing meal for their children from cheaper cuts of meat and vegetables, but if food banks mean that the children are getting something to eat then so be it and I would happily contribute.

Shytalk refers to the number of job losses at Royal Blackburn Hospital. However, is he/she aware that many of these people are given very generous redundancy payments and taken on again within a period of time to do other jobs, or taken back on as temporary or agency staff, costing the hospital even more. I have no objection to food banks, but they are not connected to the amount of waste and ineffiiciency in the NHS. The armed forces cuts are a different matter which I do not approve of. I think many people going to food banks do so because they are unable to budget and cook a nourishing meal for their children from cheaper cuts of meat and vegetables, but if food banks mean that the children are getting something to eat then so be it and I would happily contribute.grumpyoldlady

Some of the people going to these food banks are accessing over £30,000 a year in benefits!!! People I know who work at the benefits office say there are a few genuine cases but the majority do not have the foggiest how much money they get in benefits and I am told they have no idea about budgeting their money!! This is why there is an increase! If it is free it will increase !!

Some of the people going to these food banks are accessing over £30,000 a year in benefits!!! People I know who work at the benefits office say there are a few genuine cases but the majority do not have the foggiest how much money they get in benefits and I am told they have no idea about budgeting their money!! This is why there is an increase! If it is free it will increase !!kateash

midas wrote:shytalk wrote:
How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment? Why does our government borrow money to give away in foreign aid, when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country? Why is immigration at record levels when so many people in this country are unable to find a job? ( Especially when mr Cameron promised to get immigration down to tens of thousands as one of his election promises at the last general election) Why are the wealthy and large corporations allowed to get away with tax evasion whilst organisations such as the NHS and the armed forces are forced to make cuts? Is this unelected junta the most corrupt ever? More concerned with gay marriage than it is about British children going hungry, and for the Tory plantation owners please don't spout about parents spending their benefits on alcohol and cigarettes. Mostly they are decent people and many have a job that only pays a poverty wage because it is all they can find..How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment?

because no one id going to turn down the offer of a free bag of shopping.

when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country?

because its all comparative - the UK is one of the top 5 economies in the world. People in this country don't even know what real poverty is. Not being able to buy fags or pay SKY isn't poverty. Having to pay a bit extra to keep a "sparewhy do you bother with your comments???people just find them laughable.your attempts to get a rise out of people is very childish and churlish..

[quote][p][bold]midas[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]shytalk[/bold] wrote:
How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment? Why does our government borrow money to give away in foreign aid, when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country? Why is immigration at record levels when so many people in this country are unable to find a job? ( Especially when mr Cameron promised to get immigration down to tens of thousands as one of his election promises at the last general election) Why are the wealthy and large corporations allowed to get away with tax evasion whilst organisations such as the NHS and the armed forces are forced to make cuts? Is this unelected junta the most corrupt ever? More concerned with gay marriage than it is about British children going hungry, and for the Tory plantation owners please don't spout about parents spending their benefits on alcohol and cigarettes. Mostly they are decent people and many have a job that only pays a poverty wage because it is all they can find..[/p][/quote]How can there be an increase in the number of so called scroungers when the latest government figures show a fall in unemployment?
because no one id going to turn down the offer of a free bag of shopping.
when it should be going to help pensioners and others struggling with poverty and hunger in this country?
because its all comparative - the UK is one of the top 5 economies in the world. People in this country don't even know what real poverty is. Not being able to buy fags or pay SKY isn't poverty. Having to pay a bit extra to keep a "sparewhy do you bother with your comments???people just find them laughable.your attempts to get a rise out of people is very childish and churlish..ROBERTSLUMDWELLER123

The fall in unemployment claimants doesn't mean people have found work,the real reason is in the last 6 months 800'000 people have had benefits stopped or suspended,these are the very people who need food banks,we all know there is a parasite element in every society,but most folk are genuine

The fall in unemployment claimants doesn't mean people have found work,the real reason is in the last 6 months 800'000 people have had benefits stopped or suspended,these are the very people who need food banks,we all know there is a parasite element in every society,but most folk are genuinezabby

2 for 5p ridesagain wrote:
And lot of the people who scrounge a handout from the food bank sell it.

No they don't...You are only allowed three handouts and must be refered to a food bank by a GP or the benefits office.
People who need to access a food bank are desperate hungry people. They only get three days supply of food.
The way this is going there will be serious civil unrest in this country. Laugh all you like but just remember what happened to the last lot that said if there is no bread then let them eat cake.

Yes they do sell them I know because I have bought them, fact.

[quote][p][bold]shytalk[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]2 for 5p ridesagain[/bold] wrote:
And lot of the people who scrounge a handout from the food bank sell it.[/p][/quote]No they don't...You are only allowed three handouts and must be refered to a food bank by a GP or the benefits office.
People who need to access a food bank are desperate hungry people. They only get three days supply of food.
The way this is going there will be serious civil unrest in this country. Laugh all you like but just remember what happened to the last lot that said if there is no bread then let them eat cake.[/p][/quote]Yes they do sell them I know because I have bought them, fact.2 for 5p ridesagain

But I am sick and tired of having my tax spent on lazy-loser-Jeremy-Ky
le-watching-scounger
s .

So - let's have some rules here .

You are on benefits ?

No you cannot have Sky .
No Ipad for you - no 50 inch plasma TV .
Latest mobile phone ? I don't think so .
Holidays abroad ? Yeah , right .

Yes 2 for 5p is correct .
Offer people free food , they will take it .
More money for booze and drugs .

Did you watch on the television tonight ?
There was a guy on , who had no money , and relied on food banks .
Except he was immaculate with what was obviously a very expensive
haircut !!!!!

Whining his kids couldn't eat .

Scum like that should be in jail .

On bread and water .

Vote me down .
I'm not bothered .

I am happy to pay taxes to help those who are unfortunate .

I am so sick of being ripped off to pay for the vermin .

Well I agree with a lot of what has been said .
But I am sick and tired of having my tax spent on lazy-loser-Jeremy-Ky
le-watching-scounger
s .
So - let's have some rules here .
You are on benefits ?
No you cannot have Sky .
No Ipad for you - no 50 inch plasma TV .
Latest mobile phone ? I don't think so .
Holidays abroad ? Yeah , right .
Yes 2 for 5p is correct .
Offer people free food , they will take it .
More money for booze and drugs .
Did you watch on the television tonight ?
There was a guy on , who had no money , and relied on food banks .
Except he was immaculate with what was obviously a very expensive
haircut !!!!!
Whining his kids couldn't eat .
Scum like that should be in jail .
On bread and water .
Vote me down .
I'm not bothered .
I am happy to pay taxes to help those who are unfortunate .
I am so sick of being ripped off to pay for the vermin .fireonthemountain

With the increase in the number of people depending on charities, the debate on food poverty and food waste has become a hot political topic. Approximately 13 million people are reliant on food aid whilst thousands of children are going to school hungry. Consequently, a soaring number of people are resorting to food banks. This is just not the story you would expect in Britain.

If you have any stereotypes in your mind about the type of people being fed by food banks then allow me to dissipate them. Many of these people have a roof over their heads. Some work but are not paid enough. A majority of these individuals are ordinary people that have never depended on charity before but now they have no choice. With mortgage bills and rent prices going up, what do these people do? Do they lose their house? Do they pay the bills? Or do they feed their children? People are being forced to choose between eating and heating.

Whilst at one end of the spectrum millions are on the brink of starvation, at the other end 18 million tonnes of food ends up in landfills. Supermarkets and restaurants are embracing a throw away culture by discarding food just because it’s not looking good enough. Additionally, families are binning food not fit for the kitchen table. This is a pivotal concern and a national disgrace. It’s disgusting that we are throwing away fit for consumption food whilst millions in our country are suffering from the pangs of hunger.

As a nation we need to fix up. As consumers we need to make a demand to these supermarkets to stock fruit and vegetables as they have been grown and not to only display the appealing stock. Furthermore, as individuals we must take a step back and think about the amount of food we waste in our homes just because it doesn’t tickle our taste buds. We should purchase food that we will consume. We must avoid wasting food as this is not only good for our back pockets but it is good for our society.

At Tauheedul Relief Trust, we have set up a unique ‘Food for All’ initiative that aims to raise awareness of, and eradicate, food poverty and food wastage. ‘Food for All’ is a school based food education programme that involves young children running Food Clubs in schools. The first Food Club began a year ago at Tauheedul Boys’ School in Blackburn and has tackled food poverty by providing food packs to disadvantaged individuals and families via the weekly bank that operates from the school every Friday afternoon. Within one year, the Club has provided 14,000 meals to some of the poorest people in Blackburn. In addition, the Club has increased understanding of food waste and poverty and demonstrated community cohesion through active citizenship.

For example, Paul is a resident of Blackburn and was unable to afford food from his benefits. He had a difficult choice between paying for food, heating or rent. He had limited support from family and friends. He attended the Food Club and was touched by the kindness and affection he received at the Food Club.

“Food for All has helped me out loads. If it wasn’t for this place I would have been struggling. I was in a very bad situation and this affected my health … I can’t say enough about the place. There’s no judgment here, you are not questioned here or anything. It makes a huge difference. The kids that are here are great, they’re brilliant. When I first came here I was really surprised. The kids were offering to carry my bags for me. They were prepared to go an extra mile.”

It is important for communities, organisations and the food industry to think of innovative and creative methods of tackling food poverty and food waste. Schools should play an integral role in this whilst ensuring every child has access to a nutritious meal on a daily basis.

"Forced Between Eating and Heating"
With the increase in the number of people depending on charities, the debate on food poverty and food waste has become a hot political topic. Approximately 13 million people are reliant on food aid whilst thousands of children are going to school hungry. Consequently, a soaring number of people are resorting to food banks. This is just not the story you would expect in Britain.
If you have any stereotypes in your mind about the type of people being fed by food banks then allow me to dissipate them. Many of these people have a roof over their heads. Some work but are not paid enough. A majority of these individuals are ordinary people that have never depended on charity before but now they have no choice. With mortgage bills and rent prices going up, what do these people do? Do they lose their house? Do they pay the bills? Or do they feed their children? People are being forced to choose between eating and heating.
Whilst at one end of the spectrum millions are on the brink of starvation, at the other end 18 million tonnes of food ends up in landfills. Supermarkets and restaurants are embracing a throw away culture by discarding food just because it’s not looking good enough. Additionally, families are binning food not fit for the kitchen table. This is a pivotal concern and a national disgrace. It’s disgusting that we are throwing away fit for consumption food whilst millions in our country are suffering from the pangs of hunger.
As a nation we need to fix up. As consumers we need to make a demand to these supermarkets to stock fruit and vegetables as they have been grown and not to only display the appealing stock. Furthermore, as individuals we must take a step back and think about the amount of food we waste in our homes just because it doesn’t tickle our taste buds. We should purchase food that we will consume. We must avoid wasting food as this is not only good for our back pockets but it is good for our society.
At Tauheedul Relief Trust, we have set up a unique ‘Food for All’ initiative that aims to raise awareness of, and eradicate, food poverty and food wastage. ‘Food for All’ is a school based food education programme that involves young children running Food Clubs in schools. The first Food Club began a year ago at Tauheedul Boys’ School in Blackburn and has tackled food poverty by providing food packs to disadvantaged individuals and families via the weekly bank that operates from the school every Friday afternoon. Within one year, the Club has provided 14,000 meals to some of the poorest people in Blackburn. In addition, the Club has increased understanding of food waste and poverty and demonstrated community cohesion through active citizenship.
For example, Paul is a resident of Blackburn and was unable to afford food from his benefits. He had a difficult choice between paying for food, heating or rent. He had limited support from family and friends. He attended the Food Club and was touched by the kindness and affection he received at the Food Club.
“Food for All has helped me out loads. If it wasn’t for this place I would have been struggling. I was in a very bad situation and this affected my health … I can’t say enough about the place. There’s no judgment here, you are not questioned here or anything. It makes a huge difference. The kids that are here are great, they’re brilliant. When I first came here I was really surprised. The kids were offering to carry my bags for me. They were prepared to go an extra mile.”
It is important for communities, organisations and the food industry to think of innovative and creative methods of tackling food poverty and food waste. Schools should play an integral role in this whilst ensuring every child has access to a nutritious meal on a daily basis.
The spotlight is written by Miriam Kauser.
http://www.tauheedul
relief.org/trt-spotl
ight-details/forced-
between-eating-and-h
eating/editor1988

Are you struggling to meet ends? Food for All runs a School Food Club in Blackburn for disadvantaged families. Food packs are distributed every Friday between 12.30 – 1.30 pm at Tauheedul Boys School, Robinson Street, Little Harwood BB1 5PE. For further details, please click here.

John Says Thank You

John’s benefits were suspended. He used his savings to pay his bills. John had nothing left in his cupboards and desperately required food. He was referred to the Club by a friend. He said:

“Tauheedul have helped me massively. I have been able to get food when I have been suspended from job seekers & I have no income. I owe a lot to Tauheedul because they are helping me survive in a sense. When you have no income you are down in the dumps. I am very grateful as they are allowing me to live life”.

http://www.tauheedul
relief.org/campaigns
/food-for-all/

Food for All Club runs in Blackburn every week
Are you struggling to meet ends? Food for All runs a School Food Club in Blackburn for disadvantaged families. Food packs are distributed every Friday between 12.30 – 1.30 pm at Tauheedul Boys School, Robinson Street, Little Harwood BB1 5PE. For further details, please click here.
John Says Thank You
John’s benefits were suspended. He used his savings to pay his bills. John had nothing left in his cupboards and desperately required food. He was referred to the Club by a friend. He said:
“Tauheedul have helped me massively. I have been able to get food when I have been suspended from job seekers & I have no income. I owe a lot to Tauheedul because they are helping me survive in a sense. When you have no income you are down in the dumps. I am very grateful as they are allowing me to live life”.
http://www.tauheedul
relief.org/campaigns
/food-for-all/editor1988